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Each of the eukaryotic DNA polymerases DNA Pol d, DNA Pol 1, and DNA Pol a/primase is composed of multiple subunits?

User Daphshez
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Final answer:

Eukaryotic DNA polymerases, DNA Pol δ, DNA Pol ε, and DNA Pol α/primase, are indeed composed of multiple subunits, which allows them to conduct complex processes of DNA replication, highlighting the differences between eukaryotic and prokaryotic polymerases.

Step-by-step explanation:

Yes, each of the eukaryotic DNA polymerases, DNA Pol δ, DNA Pol ε, and DNA Pol α/primase, is composed of multiple subunits. Unlike prokaryotic DNA polymerases, eukaryotic polymerases are much more complex. For instance, there are 14 known DNA polymerases in eukaryotes, with five playing major roles during replication. These include DNA Pol α (alpha), DNA Pol β (beta), DNA Pol γ (gamma), DNA Pol δ (delta), and DNA Pol ε (epsilon) - each with unique subunit makeups and functions during the DNA replication process.

In contrast, prokaryotic polymerases, such as in E. coli, are composed of five polypeptide subunits, which include the α (alpha), β (beta), and β' (beta-prime) subunits within the core enzyme and the σ (sigma) factor involved only in transcription initiation. The assembly of these subunits creates the polymerase holoenzyme which is necessary for transcriptional specificity and to prevent the production of non-functional mRNA.

Moreover, eukaryotic transcription is executed by three distinct RNA polymerases composed of 10 or more subunits, showcasing the complexity of eukaryotic transcription and replication mechanisms compared to their prokaryotic counterparts.

User RenatoSz
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